Chapter 17: Playtime

"Teacher Zhao, let me handle this." Dai Mubai looked up, seeing a white-robed youth slowly approaching the middle-aged man. The young man appeared composed, neither hurried nor lax, resembling a teacher in the imperial palace.

"You? Why?" Zhao Wuji couldn't understand why a mere assessment would pique Gu Yi's interest, especially after obtaining his third spirit ring which seemed to have changed him entirely.

"Well, I also want to see the level of the monster who made it here." Gu Yi calmly glanced at Dai Mubai, but that single glance made Dai Mubai, who had been feeling proud of himself, break out in a cold sweat. What kind of gaze was that? It seemed to contain endless vortexes, as if it could absorb one's soul, making Dai Mubai unconsciously take a step back.

"Since that's the case, then it's up to you." Zhao Wuji didn't argue with him. After all, there was no joy in assessing these little kids. The assessment was over before one could even get warmed up. For him, it was also a kind of torture.

"Gu Yi, a Shrek student, the conditions are the same as before. If you don't fall within half an incense stick's time, you'll be considered successful." Gu Yi slowly walked into the field. This was probably the last time he would fight as a student.

Dai Mubai was angry. If the spirit saint had come to test him, then this condition was by no means easy, it could be said to be severe. However, Gu Yi seemed to be about the same age as him. To claim that he would not able to defeat him within half an incense stick's time was foolish, he was not something to be trifled with.

"White Tiger Shield Body Barrier." Dai Mubai roared, and his first spirit ring flashed. A white light barrier formed, providing Dai Mubai with protection, giving him the courage to charge directly at Gu Yi. Gu Yi couldn't help but feel disappointed as he watched Dai Mubai charge straight at him. The fighting methods of spirit masters in this world were too monotonous, even rigid.

A stream of spirit power shot out, hitting the protective barrier in front of Dai Mubai. Dai Mubai sneered. Even without releasing his martial spirit, Gu Yi thought he could defeat him with just one spirit power blast. It seems Shrek Academy was nothing after all. Dai Mubai didn't even bother to dodge the spirit power blast. Instead, he met it head-on. With the White Tiger Barrier, defending against a spirit power blast was a piece of cake.

"Foolish." Zhao Wuji, watching the scene, couldn't help but comment. Under any circumstances, one should never underestimate any opponent, as it could bring about disastrous consequences. Zhao Wuji wouldn't say that he hadn't made such a mistake himself. The power of Gu Yi's spirit power blast was not as simple as it seemed, especially after comprehending the Will of Martial Arts. It was practically a nemesis to defense. Not only was it fast, but its power was also astonishing. He could already imagine Dai Mubai spraying blood. But there was one thing Zhao Wuji couldn't understand: What had this Dai Mubai done to offend Gu Yi to the point where he struck so heavily?

The following scene was a bit different from what Zhao Wuji had imagined. Gu Yi's attack didn't use full force. He only shattered the protective barrier, repelling Dai Mubai, causing him to bleed slightly, but not even injuring his bones.

"How is this possible?" Dai Mubai covered his left hand, where there was a thumb-sized hole, bleeding continuously. This wound was caused by the spirit power blast he had looked down upon. Self-created spirit skill! Dai Mubai was certain. Without summoning his martial spirit, he had been injured by just one blow. This school was indeed full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Dai Mubai had only heard rumors, and coupled with his need for a high-level Spirit Master academy, he had chosen this unheard-of, dilapidated school to avoid pursuit and avoid suspicion.

"If this is all you've got, you'd better leave early." Gu Yi mocked.

"It's just a small injury." Dai Mubai looked seriously at Gu Yi, not daring to relax his vigilance now. If he were hit by that move just now, it would be troublesome.

Gu Yi also saw Dai Mubai's thoughts, so he spoke up, "Seeing how weak you are, I'll play with you in close combat."

"Come on." Gu Yi beckoned to Dai Mubai, his provocation evident. If Dai Mubai could endure this, he wouldn't even qualify as a man. Since you choose to tie yourself up, I'll show you how powerful I am. Dai Mubai, under the possession of his martial spirit, appeared particularly confident.

In this Douluo Continent, the White Tiger martial spirit was already considered a top-grade martial spirit, and he was even a Battle Spirit Master. Among the same level, there was simply no opponent. Even if Gu Yi's abilities were strong, without the ability to use powerful long-range attacks, he couldn't possibly defeat Dai Mubai within half an incense stick's time. Dai Mubai regained his confidence. Confidence leads to the peak, but blind individuals can never see the dazzling starry sky.

In the way of martial arts, close combat is the true essence compared to long-range attacks. Within three feet, I am invincible. Gu Yi watched Dai Mubai rushing towards him, not in a hurry to defeat him but instead using mysterious footwork to evade his attacks. Dai Mubai, born into the royal family, had undergone some combat training since childhood in order to defeat his older brother. Unfortunately, he was facing an unbeatable opponent. He couldn't even touch the sleeve of Gu Yi.

"No matter how many times I watch it, I find it unbelievable. This is simply art," Zhao Wuji sighed as he watched Gu Yi effortlessly dodging on the field. Even if Gu Yi were to spread this fighting technique, only Oscar would understand it. Brutes like him, who rely on strength to defeat enemies, wouldn't be able to learn it. Dai Mubai, who had been slipping around like a dog, understood that this person was playing with him. If he really wanted to defeat him, he could have done so long ago. He didn't know how many times he had been outflanked.

Dai Mubai knew he had only one chance left, a chance to turn defeat into victory. With profound gaze, he continued to attack Gu Yi as before. Gu Yi seemed to have grown tired of it as well, and he punched directly towards Dai Mubai. It's now! Dai Mubai seized the opportunity and directly activated his second spirit skill. White Tiger Intense Light Wave.

"Boring." Yet, Gu Yi seemed to have foresight, arriving at Dai Mubai's side from an incredible angle and kicking him violently in the waist. The release of the spirit skill was interrupted, causing a backlash of spirit power. Coupled with the heavy blow from the side, Dai Mubai flew several meters, spitting out blood, and fell to the ground.

"Poor quality. But if Shrek doesn't accept any more students, it will collapse. Let him stay," Gu Yi said, looking at Dai Mubai on the ground, not knowing what he was thinking. The third prince of the Star Luo Empire was a pawn that could be used. Zhao Wuji truly didn't expect Gu Yi to change his mind at the last moment.

"Oh, Teacher Zhao, I'm going to hunt for the fourth spirit ring for a while. I'll be leaving for some time. As for the academy's techniques, don't teach them to him temporarily. I have my own arrangements," Gu Yi said as he prepared to leave. Zhao Wuji looked at Gu Yi, who was about to leave, wanting to say, "I am the teacher here, you are just a student."

(End of this chapter)